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Injury2014; 45(9); 1479-1483; doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.03.016

On and off the horse: mechanisms and patterns of injury in mounted and unmounted equestrians.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to determine whether discrepant patterns of horse-related trauma exist in mounted vs. unmounted equestrians from a single Level I trauma center to guide awareness of injury prevention. Methods: Retrospective data were collected from the University of Kentucky Trauma Registry for patients admitted with horse-related injuries between January 2003 and December 2007 (n=284). Injuries incurred while mounted were compared with those incurred while unmounted. Results: Of 284 patients, 145 (51%) subjects were male with an average age of 37.2 years (S.D. 17.2). Most injuries occurred due to falling off while riding (54%) or kick (22%), resulting in extremity fracture (33%) and head injury (27%). Mounted equestrians more commonly incurred injury to the chest and lower extremity while unmounted equestrians incurred injury to the face and abdomen. Head trauma frequency was equal between mounted and unmounted equestrians. There were 3 deaths, 2 of which were due to severe head injury from a kick. Helmet use was confirmed in only 12 cases (6%). Conclusions: This evaluation of trauma in mounted vs. unmounted equestrians indicates different patterns of injury, contributing to the growing body of literature in this field. We find interaction with horses to be dangerous to both mounted and unmounted equestrians. Intervention with increased safety equipment practice should include helmet usage while on and off the horse.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2014-04-01 PubMed ID: 24767580PubMed Central: PMC4125461DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.03.016Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study investigates injury patterns in people interacting with horses, comparing those riding (mounted) with those not riding (unmounted). The study found different patterns of injury depending on whether people were on the horse or not, with a considerable number of injuries occurring through falling or being kicked by the horse. The research recommends increased safety measures, including helmet usage, regardless of whether a person is riding or not.

Objective and Methodology

  • The study aimed to identify discrepancies in horse-related injuries between mounted and unmounted equestrians, using data from the University of Kentucky Trauma Registry. The goal was to enhance awareness about injury prevention in equestrian activities.
  • Researchers collected retrospective data over a five-year period (January 2003-December 2007). The study sample was composed of patients admitted with horse-related injuries during this period, amounting to 284 cases.
  • The study made a comparative analysis of injuries incurred while mounted and those incurred while unmounted.

Results and Findings

  • Out of the 284 patients studied, 51% were male with an average age of 37.2 years.
  • The majority of injuries were a result of falling off while riding (54%) or a horse kick (22%). The resultant injuries primarily included fractures (33%) and head injuries (27%).
  • There were evident distinctions in injury patterns for mounted and unmounted equestrians. Mounted equestrians suffered more injuries to the chest and lower extremity, while unmounted equestrians had more face and abdomen injuries.
  • The frequency of head trauma injuries was equal between the two groups.
  • Out of the 284 cases, there were three reported deaths, two of which were due to severe head injuries from a horse kick.

Conclusions and Recommendations

  • The authors conclude that interacting with horses, whether mounted or unmounted, can pose considerable risk of injury.
  • The observed variance in injury patterns amongst mounted and unmounted equestrians contributes to the expanding research in this area. This finding underscores the importance of tailored preventive measures based on the nature of interaction with horses.
  • Helmet use was confirmed in only 12 cases out of the total 284. Hence, the study recommends promoting the practice of increased safety equipment usage, specifically helmets, regardless of whether an individual is riding a horse or not. By promoting helmet usage, the study suggests we can reduce the incidence and severity of equestrian-related injuries.

Cite This Article

APA
Carmichael SP, Davenport DL, Kearney PA, Bernard AC. (2014). On and off the horse: mechanisms and patterns of injury in mounted and unmounted equestrians. Injury, 45(9), 1479-1483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2014.03.016

Publication

Injury
ISSN: 1879-0267
NlmUniqueID: 0226040
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 45
Issue: 9
Pages: 1479-1483
PII: S0020-1383(14)00138-7

Researcher Affiliations

Carmichael, Samuel P
  • General Surgery Residency Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA. Electronic address: sam.carmichael@uky.edu.
Davenport, Daniel L
  • General Surgery Residency Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
Kearney, Paul A
  • Department of Surgery, Section of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
Bernard, Andrew C
  • Department of Surgery, Section of Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Abdominal Injuries / epidemiology
  • Abdominal Injuries / prevention & control
  • Accident Prevention
  • Accidents
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology
  • Athletic Injuries / prevention & control
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / epidemiology
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / prevention & control
  • Facial Injuries / epidemiology
  • Facial Injuries / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone / prevention & control
  • Guideline Adherence
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Horses
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Protective Devices / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Trauma Centers / statistics & numerical data
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / epidemiology
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / prevention & control

Grant Funding

  • UL1 TR000117 / NCATS NIH HHS
  • UL1TR000117 / NCATS NIH HHS

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